Emended description of the genus Eremochloris (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta), with Eremochloris kamchatica sp. nov. from Kamchatka, Russia

ABSTRACT

Three strains of a coccoid green alga were isolated from soil samples collected at the Shiveluch Volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula. SSU rRNA gene sequence comparisons resolved the strains as members of the genus Eremochloris in the class Trebouxiophyceae. Analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA secondary structure revealed that our isolates were genetically distinct from the type species of this genus. These isolates were characterized by spherical, elliptical or pyriform cells that were solitary with a single excentric nucleus. The cells harboured a single-pyrenoid parietal chloroplast, which was either simple or dissected into clear, curved or undulated lobes. Studies on the life cycle of this alga revealed that asexual reproduction takes place via autospores or biflagellated zoospores. Sexual reproduction is very scarce and is isogamous. All these features suggest a new species, which we name Eremochloris kamchatica. The description of the genus Eremochloris is emended to accommodate the features of the new species.

KEYWORDS:

• 18S–ITS rDNA
• Green algae
• Secondary structures
• Shiveluch Volcano

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research in the frame of the project 20-04-00814 A.